Andrew Is on the Job

Andrew Is on the Job

This story pulls at the heartstrings. Havas Village San Francisco introduces us to an inspirational colleague, Andrew, who proves that dedication and detail can override any disability.

"I was proud of how all of the team embraced Andrew and welcomed him into our family."

Havas San Francisco is a team that’s all about providing opportunity. And that’s evident through one of their more recent hires, Andrew Collier. He’s the office assistant at Havas SFO. For nearly a year, Andrew has done everything from clerical office duties to making sure that all supplies are stocked and ordered.

Andrew also has a developmental disability. As Director of Talent Lyndsey Konrad explains, Andrew is an integral part of the team who is proving that despite any developmental or physical disability, a dedicated and detailed worker can make a huge impact.

Tell me about the days when Andrew started.Andrew is the second employee I have hired through The Arc San Francisco. So when he started, the team was well prepared to welcome Andrew. Andrew spent his first two weeks in the office training with his job coach, who is provided by The Arc and is an important part of the partnership between Havas and The Arc employee.

I provided Andrew and the job coach with a list of his expected daily job duties, and that served as his training in his first weeks. Andrew was a quick study and adapted so easily into his new role. We noted that he was able to complete several tasks in a very quick and thorough manner, so we expanded on his daily duties to allow for more growth for him as the months went by. We have a close-knit, collaborative, and team-focused culture at Havas Village San Francisco, and I was proud of how all of the team embraced Andrew and welcomed him into our family.

What are the positives about hiring someone through The Arc San Francisco?

San Francisco has always been a city that embraces diversity and inclusiveness, and Village San Francisco reflects that culture. It’s important to our team and me to embrace these values, and it’s also important for us to be involved in our community.When I was first introduced to The Arc, I was so moved by the impact the organization was having by creating opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute and live more meaningful lives. I wanted to be a part of providing that opportunity in our Village, and Havas has given Andrew a place to call home, contribute, make a difference, and share in our collective success.

"Andrew has shown us, what it means to be dedicated, to take direction well, and how to take pride in your work."

Any challenges that you’ve had to face?

I would say the biggest challenge for me has been realizing that I need to be consistent with reminders about certain tasks, but also know when to press and when to let Andrew find his way on his own. It’s been important for me to have more patience if things aren’t always happening consistently. I’ve also learned that I can give stretch goals to Andrew based on his ability to do more than what I initially expected. Now that Andrew is approaching his one-year anniversary, we’ll be checking in, as we do with all of our employees, to review his work and develop new goals for shaping his role here at Havas.

What have you and your team learned from Andrew?

Andrew has shown us, what it means to be dedicated, to take direction well, and how to take pride in your work. He is a constant reminder to stay positive, no matter what the circumstances. His smile lifts everyone up every morning. Andrew also shows all of us how grateful he is to be part of our team at Havas—and this feeling is contagious and a great reminder to not take anything for granted.

What has Andrew learned from Havas San Francisco?Andrew has learned about accountability, responsibility, and the importance of follow-through. He has learned to keep to a set schedule and has improved tremendously on his organizational skills.

Recently, Havas San Francisco received the Employer of the Year in Professional Services Award. Exciting. What does this honor mean to the team?

We are so proud to receive this award and to be an example to other companies to provide work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. I feel honored that we are being acknowledged as a work partner that supports an inclusive and diverse work environment. To see Andrew contribute every day and grow and excel in his role at Havas has been something that I take tremendous pride in as part of my role as Director of Talent.

What advice do you have for others who might consider hiring a person with a developmental disability?

Our experience has been meaningful and impactful for all of our employees, so I would encourage other offices and companies to think about expanding their workforce in a more inclusive manner. There are plenty of roles within an organization that can be fulfilled with someone with a disability. I would encourage people to have an open mind and to work with an organization that provides training and job coaching services to facilitate a better transition and overall work experience.

"I was proud of how all of the team embraced Andrew and welcomed him into our family."

Havas San Francisco is a team that’s all about providing opportunity. And that’s evident through one of their more recent hires, Andrew Collier. He’s the office assistant at Havas SFO. For nearly a year, Andrew has done everything from clerical office duties to making sure that all supplies are stocked and ordered.

Andrew also has a developmental disability. As Director of Talent Lyndsey Konrad explains, Andrew is an integral part of the team who is proving that despite any developmental or physical disability, a dedicated and detailed worker can make a huge impact.

Tell me about the days when Andrew started.Andrew is the second employee I have hired through The Arc San Francisco. So when he started, the team was well prepared to welcome Andrew. Andrew spent his first two weeks in the office training with his job coach, who is provided by The Arc and is an important part of the partnership between Havas and The Arc employee.

I provided Andrew and the job coach with a list of his expected daily job duties, and that served as his training in his first weeks. Andrew was a quick study and adapted so easily into his new role. We noted that he was able to complete several tasks in a very quick and thorough manner, so we expanded on his daily duties to allow for more growth for him as the months went by. We have a close-knit, collaborative, and team-focused culture at Havas Village San Francisco, and I was proud of how all of the team embraced Andrew and welcomed him into our family.

What are the positives about hiring someone through The Arc San Francisco?

San Francisco has always been a city that embraces diversity and inclusiveness, and Village San Francisco reflects that culture. It’s important to our team and me to embrace these values, and it’s also important for us to be involved in our community.When I was first introduced to The Arc, I was so moved by the impact the organization was having by creating opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute and live more meaningful lives. I wanted to be a part of providing that opportunity in our Village, and Havas has given Andrew a place to call home, contribute, make a difference, and share in our collective success.

"Andrew has shown us, what it means to be dedicated, to take direction well, and how to take pride in your work."

Any challenges that you’ve had to face?

I would say the biggest challenge for me has been realizing that I need to be consistent with reminders about certain tasks, but also know when to press and when to let Andrew find his way on his own. It’s been important for me to have more patience if things aren’t always happening consistently. I’ve also learned that I can give stretch goals to Andrew based on his ability to do more than what I initially expected. Now that Andrew is approaching his one-year anniversary, we’ll be checking in, as we do with all of our employees, to review his work and develop new goals for shaping his role here at Havas.

What have you and your team learned from Andrew?

Andrew has shown us, what it means to be dedicated, to take direction well, and how to take pride in your work. He is a constant reminder to stay positive, no matter what the circumstances. His smile lifts everyone up every morning. Andrew also shows all of us how grateful he is to be part of our team at Havas—and this feeling is contagious and a great reminder to not take anything for granted.

What has Andrew learned from Havas San Francisco?Andrew has learned about accountability, responsibility, and the importance of follow-through. He has learned to keep to a set schedule and has improved tremendously on his organizational skills.

Recently, Havas San Francisco received the Employer of the Year in Professional Services Award. Exciting. What does this honor mean to the team?

We are so proud to receive this award and to be an example to other companies to provide work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. I feel honored that we are being acknowledged as a work partner that supports an inclusive and diverse work environment. To see Andrew contribute every day and grow and excel in his role at Havas has been something that I take tremendous pride in as part of my role as Director of Talent.

What advice do you have for others who might consider hiring a person with a developmental disability?

Our experience has been meaningful and impactful for all of our employees, so I would encourage other offices and companies to think about expanding their workforce in a more inclusive manner. There are plenty of roles within an organization that can be fulfilled with someone with a disability. I would encourage people to have an open mind and to work with an organization that provides training and job coaching services to facilitate a better transition and overall work experience.

Natasha Smith

Strategic Communications Manager

Natasha Smith is the strategic communications manager for Havas Group. She happily represents 404 in the 212.

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